Be Good or Be Gone

MTA Commissioned Subway Station

The MTA proposal drawings consist of several symbols local to the Rockaways. The left side of one diptych shows two images of a Piping Plover – an endangered bird that has chosen a section of beach at the Rockaways, just a few blocks south of the 90th Street station as one of its few remaining nesting grounds. The nautical flags spell out the popular phrase “Be Good or Be Gone” which can be seen behind the doors of several pubs and restaurants in the neighborhood. I am using the phrase as a reminder for visitors to take care and appreciate the fragile environment of the area.

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Beach 98th Street Playland MTA Station

Original Duke Riley design for MTA Arts for Transit

The other diptych has nautical flags above images of seaside bungalows that also bear a common Rockaway phrase, “No Sniveling’’ which simply means no complaining. In the past 150 years, Rockaway beach endured more destruction from storms and fire than any other part of New York City. As often is the case with waterfront communities, the unwavering determination to rebuild has shaped the resilient culture of the community.

1912 Summer homes at Java Street (now Beach 84th Street)

At the north end of B84th (once Java Street) is a long pier that extends out into Jamaica Bay. What makes this pier unique is the row of 20 houses built on it. There are similar houses built up on pylons in other parts of the city but this is the only remaining bungalow housing pier of its kind in all of New York City, and perhaps the State. Several of them are still occupied as year round homes. In this illustration, all of the bungalows appear occupied under the night sky, with their windows illuminated. A rope serves as border for the drawing, with two bowline knots (a very strong knot commonly used to tie down the bow of a ship) on each end. The bowline knots represent the strength and closeness within this small community due to the close quarters of the bungalows; all of the residents would share one common, narrow walkway along the dock to access his or her own home.

The designs I proposed relate to all three of the Rockaway beach subway stations, which hold personal significance for me. Eleven years ago they gave me my first glimpse of the Rockaways, and I’ve been grateful to them ever since.

Installation Views

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Beach 98th Street Playland MTA Station

Beach 98th Street Playland MTA Station

Beach 98th Street Playland MTA Station

Beach 98th Street Playland MTA Station

Beach 98th Street Playland MTA Station

Beach 98th Street Playland MTA Station

Beach 98th Street Playland MTA Station

Beach 98th Street Playland MTA Station

Beach 98th Street Playland MTA Station

The U-Line, MTA ArtCard in Subways 2011

Detail, The U-Line, MTA ArtCard in Subways 2011

Original Duke Riley design for MTA Arts for Transit

Process Views

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When asked by MTA to design art for a Rockaway Station, I spent some time sniffing out the area.

First thing I noticed from the A train was an old pier of row houses on stilts.

In the early 20th century, this was a vacation community for the working class.

Clearly, what were once vacation homes are now inhabited year round.

There used to be many piers like this, but now only this one remains.

Sharing a homefront boardwalk created close-knit communities.

1912 Summer homes at Java Street (now Beach 84th Street)

circa 1915. Beach 90th Street, Holland Pier.

The ruins of a pier community.

Foundation of bungalows destroyed by fire.

The brightly colored bungalows inspired my first proposal.

Proposal drawing for panels to be rendered in faceted glass.

This neighborhood has weathered more disasters than any in NYC. Great Storm of 1920, Beach 86th Street

This has bred a spirit of resiliency in the community. Great Fire of June 15, 1922.

November 12, 2001 plane crash

The MTA said, ‘no text’, which suited me fine. I generally use nautical flags in my work instead.

Local bars spell out the neighborhood philosophy: NO SNIVELING.

BE GOOD OR BE GONE

The style of bungalows portrayed in the following hurricane-themed panels.

A reference to the hurricanes and storms that have battered but not defeated the area repeatedly.

Tugboat pulling a recycling barge

I modeled the tugboat from this old NYC tug that sat down the street from my granny’s when I was a kid.

The area is home to many endangered species and the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.

One endangered local resident: the Piping Plover. Nautical flags: Be Good or Be Gone.

Cead Mile Failte. In Irish: 100,000 Welcomes Before You

Faceted Glass in Process

Faceted Glass in Process

October 2011: Finally the panels are installed at Beach 98th Street Playland Station!

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Glass installation ace team Dave and Jack.

Glass installation ace team Dave and Jack.

And of course, Project Manager, Kitty Joe Sainte-Marie

Half in, view of the water.

October 2011: Finally the panels are installed at Beach 98th Street Playland Station!

October 2011: Finally the panels are installed at Beach 98th Street Playland Station!